May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Grammy-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves received an honorary Doctorate of Musical Arts degree during Berklee College of Music’s 2003 Commencement in Boston.
Reeves, along with Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, spoke to the 600 graduating students and 3,000 invited guests during the May 10 ceremony, after which Berklee President Lee Eliot Burk presented them with their diplomas. The two also performed with the graduating class at the commencement concert the previous night.
Producer and Berklee graduate Arif Mardin joined Burk to present the degree to Reeves. Mardin produced Reeves upcoming album, A Little Moonlight, set for Blue Note Records release on August 19. Reeves and her working trio, pianist Peter Martin, bassist Rueben Rogers and drummer Gregory Hutchinson, recorded the collection of standards and are touring to promote the album. They will be at the St. Louis Jazz Festival on June 20.
For more information, go to www.bluenote.com or www.diannereeves.com
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
